discussion Bird Watching a Relaxing Hobby

[Tim Marlow]

No photos I’m afraid, but I’ve just seen a couple of Swallows and about four House Martins. Spring is definitely here……..

 

[spanner570]

Our resident Collared Doves have been 'At it' already! They are very trusting birds. I can now get within a couple of feet of them. They fly down from the roof when I arrive with food.
Three weeks ago we spotted them with a chick.
Then a day later a second youngster popped out of their Laurel Bush nest site. Twins! - Sort of.....

The adults only tolerated the chicks for a couple of weeks or so, then they turned on them and drove them both away from our garden. - never to return.

Proud parents. Young'un on the left.



Giving the youngster a good grooming. See the immature pink beak.


The second one has arrived.



"Come on girl, let's make some more!" Judging by their behavior lately, we believe they are doing just that!



Spot the feeder. Long Tailed Tits marauding.


Cheers.
Ron

 

[Guest]

Wow some great photos there 570 , wish we had long tailed tits , haven't seen any for years .
We have a resident pair of Doves that come most days .
453 .

 

[Lee Drennen]

Thanks for sharing

 

[spanner570]

Glad you both like the snaps and I hope they might be of interest to others.

453, The long tailed tits are regular visitors. Usually a dozen or more all arriving at once. Then they disappear for a week or so, then return for another lightning assault!

 

[stillp]

The long tailed tits are regular visitors. Usually a dozen or more all arriving at once. Then they disappear for a week or so, then return for another lightning assault!

Ours behave like that as well. Not so many though, usually six or seven. We do get over a dozen goldfinches, who, strangely, don't seem to eat the niger seed we put out for them, they prefer sunflower hearts.
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

Glad you both like the snaps and I hope they might be of interest to others.

453, The long tailed tits are regular visitors. Usually a dozen or more all arriving at once. Then they disappear for a week or so, then return for another lightning assault!

Lovely birds, one of my favourites. They move around in family groups, which is why it’s all or nothing…..

 

[Tim Marlow]

Ours behave like that as well. Not so many though, usually six or seven. We do get over a dozen goldfinches, who, strangely, don't seem to eat the niger seed we put out for them, they prefer sunflower hearts.
Pete

Yep, our goldies do the same. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything eat Niger seed……

 

[Jim R]

Although I've not seen them Red Kites are making a real comeback in Shropshire. Red Kites were on the brink of national extinction early in the 20th century, just a few breeding pairs in South Wales. Numbers have steadily increased. A keen bird watcher friend sees them regularly around Shrewsbury. When wildlife is struggling so much it's great to have a real success story.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Although I've not seen them Red Kites are making a real comeback in Shropshire. Red Kites were on the brink of national extinction early in the 20th century, just a few breeding pairs in South Wales. Numbers have steadily increased. A keen bird watcher friend sees them regularly around Shrewsbury. When wildlife is struggling so much it's great to have a real success story.

Out in the west they are almost more common than Buzzards Jim. As you say, a real success story, as is the recovery of Buzzards. When I was a youngster they could only be found on the western moors of Bodmin or Dartmoor or in the Welsh and Scottish highlands. Myxomatoasis had destroyed their major food source and DDT had wrecked their reproductive ability. I hope the current Osprey and Bustard initiatives are as successful.

 

[stillp]

This little fella was watching as I photographed my Vampire this afternoon.

One of three that come to our patio hoping for some mealworms.
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

No pictures again I’m afraid, but we’ve just had our usual Kite and Buzzard fest as the farmer bales his cut grass for winter feed. Counted at least eight Buzzards and six Kites, but there were probably more lower down out of sight. The field was half a mile away hence no photos. Seem to have more Swallows and House Martins than usual this year as well. Pity we don’t get swifts…..

 

[Richard48]

Lovely photos chums.
I live near a nature reserve at Holland on sea and theres a marsh area with a pond.They have turned an old container into a viewing hide.Last week i saw Cormarants and turnstones.Sometimes get the odd lapwing around and buzzards lurking around the river running close by.Its a very tranquil area and great to sit for an hour or 2.Usually get talking to guys with proper gear for viewing and most share their knowledge as mine is limited burd wise.
Richard

 

[Lee Drennen]

What a Memorial Day Weekend treat I couldn’t believe what I spotted when I was at the Barn in a tree in our front yard. It was a American Bald Eagle which is very rare where we live. A beautiful sign of our Freedom we have.

 

[Tim Marlow]

What a Memorial Day Weekend treat I couldn’t believe what I spotted when I was at the Barn in a tree in our front yard. It was an American Bald Eagle which is very rare where we live. A beautiful sign of our Freedom we have.

What a fantastic spot Lee. Are their numbers recovering these days? I know they were under extreme pressure at one time.

 

[spanner570]

One lucky boy., Lee. What a stroke of luck!

Here in North Wales, we have been blessed with a second brood of Collar Doves from our 'resident' couple AND they were 'At it' again yesterday! So we can hopefully expect yet more youngsters on the way.
Like Wood Pigeons, Doves breed all year and usually produce 1 or 2 eggs per lay.

Here's one of the youngsters. The other refuses to sit with it when I'm around.





The parent looking on. The adult pair are so tame now, I rattle the food tub and they swoop down from our trees, landing on the feed table whilst I'm sprinkling stuff on it. Not phased one bit. It's great!

Here's one of the parents keeping an eye on the goings on....Is it winking at me?!



Great photos on this thread boys. Keep 'em coming.

Cheers.
Robert Franklin Stroud (Birdman of Alcatraz)... although in truth, I'm never allowed to keep any birds in here. :sad:

 

[Tim Marlow]

Love it. They do learn that their food source is safe don’t they. In our old house I used to get a wood pigeon walk backwards and forward in front of the conservatory door staring in at me if there was no food on the bird table……

 

[stillp]

SWMBO and I sitting at the patio table this morning and joined by a robin. At one time there were two of them but one was startled and flew off before I could get my phone out.
Pete

 

[spanner570]

Nice, chance photo Pete......Lurvv the slippers!

 

[stillp]

A few more:

And some from around the garden:

Hybrid tea rose "Rachel", which was my mother's name, and her grandmother's. The most scented rose I know of.


Millie. 14 next week, but might not get to 15 due to kidney problems.


The climber has more flowers than leaves!



The figs are looking good!
Pete